Survey Suggests People With Pets Happier Since the Pandemic

by Lori Ennis

Published: January 3rd, 2023

As the pandemic has brought pet parenthood to an all-time high, a recent survey from Pets Best Insurances Services suggests that having a pet makes over 80% of pet parents happier.

Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock

The study, titled Pet Parenthood Today, looked at the answers of over 1400 pet owners to see the impact pets had on their personal and professional lives. Since the pandemic started, pet ownership has been at an all-time high, and the research suggests better health benefits and general mood improvements come with pet parenting.

Some of the key findings from the study include the following:

Pet parents spend an average of 8.5-9.5 hours a day with their pet. This obviously is an increase due to remote work being continued and that time being more flexible.
Pet partners who had pet health insurance plans do more ‘quality time’ like things with their pets than compared to those without pet insurance. This includes vacations with their pets, taking their pets out to eat, exercising their pets and more.
Eighty-three percent of pet parents surveyed said that having a pet made them happier as people. Of those, 86% were dog parents and 78% were cat parents.
Pet-friendly workplaces are the place to be, with almost 60% of pet parents preferring to work for employers who value pet ownership. Job perks like pet insurance and ‘pawternity’ leave are premiums that are becoming staples in today’s workforce.
Those pet parents who have health insurance for their pets are more likely to seek healthcare for pet needs, with three out of four saying they’re ‘more likely’ to go to the vet than those who don’t have pet insurance.
Younger generations (Gen Z, Gen A, younger Millennials) have the most anxiety about pet care costs. Still, they’re also the ones more likely to get pet insurance to be the solution for pet care pricing as compared to older generations.

We know that pet partnership is often costly, and this study shows that having pet insurance may be one way to help bring those costs down.

Melissa Gutierrez is the senior vice president and general manager of Pets Best and said, “More than 70 percent of U.S. households include a pet, which is up significantly since the start of the pandemic. The expectations of what it means to become a pet parent have evolved over time. We’ve found that pet parents now are far more likely to plan for their pet’s care, think about their pet’s well-being, and integrate their pet into daily routines.”

A COVID-19 Pulse Study by the American Pet Products Association found that almost 13 million U.S. households got a new pet in 2020. A new trend occurred as well, with 18-34 year olds being more likely to adopt pets during the pandemic.

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Study Finds Pets Didn't Make People Happier During the Pandemic

Would you say that your pet help you feel better during the pandemic? Countless pet parents, myself included, would say they experienced less stress and anxiety during lockdown thanks to their four-legged companions. However, a new study led by researchers from Michigan State University suggests otherwise. Researchers couldn’t find a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though owners claimed pets improved their lives. The pandemic was extremely stressful for everyone. The research team from Michigan State University theorized that the pandemic created ideal conditions to determine how much happiness and comfort pets actually provide to their families. The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, evaluated 767 people on three separate occasions in May 2020. The researchers used a mixed-method approach, looking at several indicators of well-being. They also asked owners in an open-ended question to think about the role of pets. Unsurprisingly, pet owners reported their pets made them happy. Owners claimed pets help them feel more positive emotions and provide companionship and affection, but also expressed worry about their pet’s well-being and reported their pets interfered with working remotely. But when researchers compared the happiness of pet owners to levels seen in non-pet owners they made a surprising discovery. Shockingly, the data showed no difference in the well-being of pet owners and non-pet owners over time. The research team explained that it did not matter what type of pet people owned, how many pets they had, or how close owners were with their pets. The personalities of the owners weren’t a factor either. “People say pets make them happy, but when we actually measure happiness that doesn’t appear to be the case,” said William Chopik, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, in a university release. “People see friends as lonely or wanting companionship, and they recommend getting a pet. But it’s unlikely to be as transformative as people think,” added Chopik. The research team also explored several other potential reasons as to why there was no difference in the happiness levels of pet owners and non-pet owners. The most likely reason might be that non-pet owners have found ways to fill their lives with activities and interests that make them as happy as owning a pet would. “Staking all of your hope on a pet making you feel better is probably unfair and maybe costly, given other things you could do in your life that could improve your happiness,”  said Chopik. Another study, involving 4,237 people, beginning at the start of the pandemic and ending in December 2021, had similar findings. Although owners grew closer to their pets, especially dogs, during the pandemic, that didn’t stave off stress.In fact, the lowest stress levels were seen in non-pet owners. When you think about it, these results kind of make sense - pet owners had an additional mouth to feed during the lockdown and had limited opportunities to take their dogs out for a walk or play session. The results of these studies are surprising, to say the least. I was positive that I was happier than my poochless friends during the lockdown, but guess that wasn’t the case. After thinking about this a bit more, I realized that maybe we shouldn’t expect so much from our four-legged companions. Yes, there are many benefits to owning a pet, and pets can make us happy, but ultimately happiness depends on ourselves. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Siblings Reunited After 13 Years Apart Thanks to a DNA Test

Labrador retriever golden retriever mixes, Mozart and Maddy have a lot to catch up on. After being adopted into separate homes as puppies, the brother and sister spent 13 years apart.The male pup, Mozart, was adopted by Ann MacLean, a high school science teacher in Freehold,  New Jersey. After losing her previous dog, MacLean started looking for a new pooch to bring into her home. She found a litter of five eight-week-old puppies listed on Petfinder.com. The litter consisted of four males and one female puppy. Two pups were golden in color and three were completely black. MacLean and her family decided to adopt one of the black puppies and named him Mozart. When they went to pick up Mozart, they noticed his sister Maddy, and immediately fell in love with her. But when, two days later, they expressed interest in adopting Maddy as well, they were informed that someone else was already interested in her and was going to pick her up the following weekend.  MacLean believed she would never see Maddy again, but the Universe had other plans! After adopting Mozart, MacLean was curious to learn more about her new pup’s genetic makeup, so she used a dog DNA test. The test revealed Mozart is a mix of Labrador retriever, golden retriever, collie, German shepherd, chow chow, and boxer. Embark test also has a relative finder feature, which informs the owner if a dog related to their pooch submitted a DNA test. “In January 2024, I logged into Embark. I had not logged into the Embark website in over a year. I thought the chance of Mozart reuniting with one of his siblings was becoming small as Mozart was now 13 years old. I was so excited to see ‘immediate family’ listed,” MacLean told PEOPLE. Maddy’s owner, Sheila McNeil, was over the moon to hear from MacLean. “As soon as I saw a picture of Mozart, I told Doug this is definitely her brother as they look exactly alike. I was so excited to find her littermate and even more excited to reunite them,” said McNeil. During their conversations, MacLean and McNeil learned how similar their dogs are. Both canine siblings love the snow, can’t stand the heat, and have hip arthritis. McNeil and her husband Doug, only started caring for Maddy two years ago, when the pup’s original owner, Sheila’s adopted aunt, died. The biggest surprise, however, is that both dogs live near Freehold, and even go to the same vet! The owners had already planned to meet and were committed to getting the dogs together regardless of the distance. “It was a given that these two would reunite once we knew of the other’s existence, but this close distance makes regular meets easier to do. The Universe works in such serendipitous ways,” said McNeil. The siblings were finally reunited on January 14th, nearly 13 years after their separation. The pups met at a local park and needed a few minutes to become comfortable with one another, which was in line with their personalities. “A dramatic reunion of the dogs exhibiting uncontrolled joy was not a realistic expectation, nor was it either Maddy’s or Mozart’s personality,” explained McNeil adding that after only 10 minutes of walking, the siblings seemed like “two old souls who have known each other for years.”Since their reunion, Maddy and Mozart have seen each other three times and have more meet-ups planned for the future. Their owners are happy that the friendship between the canines grows stronger each time they see each other. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

BARK Air Introduces a New Flight Tailored for Dogs

Onboard, they have carefully considered every aspect of air travel for dogs. For example, they serve all canine passengers their beverage of choice during ascent and descent to help prevent the discomfort often caused by cabin pressure changes. Of course, during the flight, your pup will be treated to a bit of pampering with dog-friendly snacks. “When we started BARK in 2011, we were on a mission to disrupt the dog space and create products designed for dogs and their humans. We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over the years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,” explained BARK’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matt Meeker. “We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand’s mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the BARK family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people around the world.” BARK Air will launch with limited routes from New York City’s Westchester County Airport (HPN) to Los Angeles’ Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and London, England’s Stansted Airport (STN). Dog parents are taking to social media, where the news is going viral, to express their excitement about the announcement. The first flights will take off on Thursday, May 23. Visit DogsFlyFirst.com for more information about BARK Air, available flights, and booking. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is It Normal for a Dog to Lose Appetite in Summer?

As the temperatures rise and the hot summer months roll in, some dog owners observe a change in their pet’s eating habits. If you notice that your pet is eating less than usual when it gets really hot outside, it’s only natural if you’re concerned about their health. However, understanding the real reasons behind this “seasonal change” can help you worry less and care for your pet as best you can. Is It Normal for a Dog to Lose Appetite in Summer?The reason why some dogs can lose appetite in the summer is simple: heat. Just like us humans, dogs too can feel lethargic, lazy, and less energetic when the heat is stifling. And, naturally, as their energy levels are decreased, they have a reduced need for caloric intake to replenish it. This is one of their “old” inherent traits from the wild: animals will adjust their food intake based on their energy requirements and the available resources. So, as your pooch doesn’t spend energy, preferring to snooze, they will not need to consume so much food to replenish it.Still, heat can cause some physiological changes that could affect your pet’s appetite. Hot summer months bring high temperatures that will slow the digestive process of dogs, making them feel full for longer. What is more, during this time dogs will drink a lot more water (as we humans do), which can also make them feel full and not hungry. Remember that hydration is important in the summer, as it helps regulate body temperature. Always make sure that your pet has access to fresh water, even when you are not home. This “self-replenishing” dog water dispenser is a great thing to have, as it will make sure that your pet always has access to clean, fresh water even when you’re away at work.

Americans Are Taking Their Pets to Mexico for Vet Care - Here's Why

The rising costs of veterinary care in the U.S. have spurred a growing number of pet parents to turn to Mexico for more affordable veterinary care for their pets. Valerie Silva of Indio, California, estimates that she saved hundreds of dollars on veterinary bills for her two dogs, Paco and Sunny, in one year. The first time she visited a Mexican veterinary clinic was in 2022, when her Chihuahua mix, Sunny, needed vaccines. Unable to schedule an appointment for Sunny at any of the local veterinary clinics, Valerie has found a pet hospital near her grandparents’ house in Mexicali. She was pleased with the service enough to come back to get Sunny spayed and have her other dog, Paco, vaccinated. Overall, she paid $80 for the spaying procedure and around $200 for eight shots for both dogs.“The price difference is insane,” Silva told USA TODAY. “It’s just so much easier being able to go in there and not have to worry about it being like $70, $100 for a shot.” The huge savings and easy access to affordable pet care have made traveling to Mexico attractive to many pet parents like Silva. Miguel Lazcano of New York City was in a difficult situation when one of his three dogs, a longhaired Dachshund named Henry, needed dental care. “We noticed some of his teeth were loose and his breath was getting worse,” said Lazcano. “They mentioned there was at least four extractions and the cost on the high end was around $5,000. And on the low end, was around $3,500.”Without pet insurance to cover the cost, Lazcano has already paid around $700 for Henry’s bloodwork. After getting Henry’s dental surgery estimate, Lazcano decided to research more affordable veterinary care in Mexico.Lazcano came across MaxiVet Express, a pet courier service that would take his dog to Tijuana, Mexico, for veterinary treatment at a fraction of the price. The owner of MaxiVet Express, Anna Ginsky, started her company after taking her dog to Mexico for dental treatment. Ginsky said she saved over $1,600 on her dog’s procedure in Mexico. “Mexican vets are definitely targeting U.S. pet owners to become their clients. They are making announcements in English. They are advertising more on the internet,” explained Ginsky.Ginsky’s clients travel from all over the country and then her team accompany the pets to Mexico while their owners stay stateside. Most veterinary treatments are finished within a day. Most pet parents opt to take their pets to Mexico for dental care and simple surgeries. The Mexican veterinarians Ginsky works with also offer follow-up appointments, wellness checks, and chemotherapy treatments. “It makes me really fulfilled to be able to offer a service like this. We have people cry when they learn what our prices are going to be and how affordable it’s going to be for them.” Henry, the longhaired Dachshund, traveled around 3,000 miles for his first veterinary appointment in Mexico. The vet performed an echocardiogram to ensure Henry could tolerate anesthesia before moving on with teeth cleaning and extractions.Ginsky called Lazcano regularly to keep him updated about his pooch. This is a standard procedure for Ginsky, who believes pet parents should be kept informed throughout the day, regardless of whether they are first-time clients or have used her services before. “Everybody loves their pet just the same. And they want to make sure that their pet’s doing OK,” she said.Ronald Richards, the owner of the clinic where Henry had his dental work done explained that the main reason veterinary prices are lower in Mexico is because labor costs less. “The doctors just don’t make as much money as they do in the United States. We don’t have medical malpractice insurance or anything like that. So here in Mexico, it’s really kind of buyers beware in regards to when you go to someone’s clinic for service.”Despite all the potential risks, Lazcano is comfortable with his decision and confident that Henry got the best veterinary care. Henry has made a full recovery after his surgery, and his breath is now fresh.  After spending only a third of what he would have to pay a vet in New York, Lozcano is now considering taking his other two dogs for veterinary treatments in Mexico. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Followers Cry Fowl as Staffie Peggy and Magpie Molly, Separated

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Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The US National Park Service is Being Sued Over Stray Cats

The US National Park Service was sued by a non-profit organization due to its controversial plan to remove the famous stray cats of Puerto Rico, a historic district in the US territory. The lawsuit was filed by  Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit based in Maryland, and it comes four months after the radical announcement that left many in shock. The Federal agency revealed that it would contract an animal welfare organization to remove around 200 stray cats that live in Puerto Rico’s historic seaside fortress in Old San Juan. What the organization still hasn’t decided upon is whether the captured stray cats would be placed in foster homes, kept in shelters, adopted, or face a different fate. What is more, the federal agency did not reveal if a third-party organization has been hired yet. The National Park Service also added that it would hire a “removal agency” if the organization it contracted ultimately failed to remove the cats within a six-month period. The news caught many by surprise, as many locals – and tourists alike – loved the cats, and many considered them a delight and a local attraction. Alas, many considered the cats a nuisance too, as the National Park Service stated in a report in 2022 that the cat population in the city had grown out of proportions and that the smell of feces and urine in the area was becoming too strong.The announcement of their plan roused many animal rights activists, who say that six months is not enough to remove such a great number of cats. They fear that, as a result, many cats would be killed. Ultimately, the Alley Cat Allies filed its lawsuit in an effort to ensure the best possible outcome for the felines in question. They requested additional environmental statements from the National Park Service, and asked that “a judge find its actions allegedly violate acts including the National Environmental Protection Act.” It remains to be seen what will be the fate of these kitties – but one can only hope they won’t be harmed in the process. 

Dog in Florida Was Born With Lime Green Fur – Here's What Caused It

 On St. Patrick’s Day, everything is in green – people wear green outfits, put up green decorations, even drink green beer, and it seems that one pooch from Florida wanted to join in on the fun. Born exactly on St Patty’s Day, one Golden Retriever from a seemingly usual litter of pups sported green fur instead of the usual cream color! He was aptly named Shamrock for his emerald hair and became an internet star overnight for the same reason.Carole DeBruler, the owner of the Golden Treasures Kennel in Pensacola, Florida, was the first to snap photos of the incredible puppy, just moments after it was born. “It was so shocking when we saw her”, she said, adding that the little doggo was clearly “born lucky”. DeBruler filmed a detailed video of the puppy, posting it on the popular platform TikTok, where it quickly garnered over 8 million views. Of course, DeBruler was quick to explain the strange phenomenon at play here. The puppy was most likely stained with biliverdin, which was caused by bile in the womb of the dog's mom. It goes without saying that doggos don’t come with green fur, but the reason for this phenomenon is a natural, albeit rare occurrence. The condition is absolutely harmless and went away on its own as little Shamrock grew older.  DeBruler emphasized that Shamrock is completely healthy and happy, and just a tiny bit smaller than the rest of the puppies in the litter. In a follow-up video, a few weeks later, it was clear that Shamrock’s unique lime green color faded, but that his "feisty personality is just getting stronger."

Globetrotting Pet Lovers Discover a New Way to Travel Cheap

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Does My Dog Have Food Allergies?

Does your pup suffer from itchy skin? Are they struggling with digestive issues? As dog parents, when we see our best friend suffer, we want to find a solution – and fast!While food allergies in dogs are less common than environmental allergies, they can still be a frustrating mystery. From identifying the trigger for your dog’s allergies to managing their allergies with a carefully planned diet, there is a lot involved in giving your dog the best possible quality of life. But it is possible.This guide will help you identify the signs of dog food allergies and the steps needed to help your dog feel happy and healthy again.What Are Food Allergies in Dogs?Just like food allergies in people, dog food allergies occur when the dog's immune system reacts to specific foods. This reaction can range from a minor one, like itchy skin, to a more severe or life-threatening one, like anaphylaxis.Common Food Allergies in DogsYour dog could potentially develop an allergy to any food. This makes allergies challenging to identify and manage, especially for those who are new to this concern. However, some foods are more likely to trigger an allergic reaction in our furry friends.Researchers have found that the most common food allergies in dogs include:BeefDairy productsChickenChicken eggsWheat glutenSoyGiven the high rate of allergies to these food sources, they are a great starting point for identifying the allergen responsible for your dog’s struggles. Alternatively, if you have a dog with overly sensitive skin or other health issues that an allergy could escalate, you may want to feed a diet free from these common offenders.Signs That Your Dog Has Food AllergiesSimilar to food allergies in people, dogs may experience several different reactions when coming in contact with an allergen—these range from severe, obvious reactions to much more subtle and difficult-to-spot signs.Some of the more common signs of food allergies in dogs include: Itchy or irritated skinRed, itchy pawsItchy, irritated, or infected earsDigestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea)HyperactivityWeight lossLethargy or loss of energyUncharacteristic aggressionAll of these signs can be attributed to other health issues. If you notice anything is “off” with your dog, the first step is to contact your veterinarian. They will run tests to rule out any medical explanations for the change. If they determine there are no medical reasons for the signs, it’s time to consider the possibility your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction.The Difference Between Food Allergies and Food SensitivitiesFood allergies and sensitivities (also known as food intolerances) are very similar at their root: a reaction to a specific allergen. The difference between the two is the extent of the response. A food sensitivity is an adverse reaction but not too severe. A food allergy makes the reaction more intense and involves the immune system.While food sensitivity may not seem like a big deal (and it isn’t life-threatening), it can worsen in time. Often, a food sensitivity that is ignored or unaddressed will become much more severe and resemble an allergy. However, they still don’t involve the immune system, meaning the most dangerous reactions (like anaphylaxis) aren’t going to occur.

Why Is My Dog Shaking?

Shaking and shivering in dogs is something that most owners notice at least once in their dog’s lifetime. It can seem like a random thing, and in most cases, people dismiss it as a simple “side effect” of colder temperatures. However, chilly weather isn’t always the culprit for dog trembling – sometimes there are other reasons for this, ranging from expressing emotions to signaling health issues. So how are you to know what exactly is causing your dog to shake – is there a way to discern between harmless causes and those that could mean it’s time to visit a vet? Here’s everything you need to know about possible reasons for shaking in dogs and how to react when your dog starts shivering and trembling out of nowhere.Why Is My Dog Shaking?Dog behavior is a vast topic – so is their body language. If you were hoping that when a dog shakes, it means one particular thing, you’ll be disappointed. Dog shaking can communicate a range of different things and there are various possible explanations for this behavior – here are just a few of the most common ones.#1 Your Dog is ColdAs we said, cold and low temperatures can cause shivering and shaking. Just like humans, dogs may shiver when cold. If they're exposed to chilly temperatures, they might shiver to generate heat. This is a natural response. Of course, if you live in an area with a colder climate and your pet doesn’t have a thick double coat, you should get them a warm winter coat that will keep them insulated and prevent loss of body heat.

Can Dogs Get Harvest Mites?

Harvest mites, also known as chiggers or red bugs, are tiny parasitic mites that feed on the skin of various animals - including dogs. That’s right - dogs can get harvest mites too. These tiny pests are common in warm and dry climates and are active during the late summer and early fall. It is because of this that they are called “harvest” mites. But don’t be fooled by their tiny size – these mites can cause significant discomfort to dogs, mostly due to the irritation that their bites can cause.What Are Harvest Mites? Are They Dangerous for Dogs?Belonging to the Trombiculidae family, harvest mites are this subclade’s larvae. They are almost microscopic, measuring only about 0.2 mm in size. These mites are bright orange or red, which makes them slightly easier to spot on a dog’s skin, though their small size still makes them difficult to detect. They tend to live in grassy or wooded areas and attach themselves to dogs, humans, or other animals when they come into contact with the vegetation where the mites live.Now, once a harvest mite attaches itself to a dog’s skin, they will inject saliva into it in order to break down the cells which they consume. Unlike fleas or ticks, which feed on blood, these mites feed on skin cells. It is this process that causes an intense allergic reaction in dogs, leading to inflammation and itching. The dog may develop red, raised bumps or welts at the bite sites, typically in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the paws, belly, ears, or armpits.Your furry friend might scratch or bite the affected area, in hopes of easing the irritation. But this can potentially cause further skin damage or further infections. While harvest mites do not burrow into the skin, their bites can remain itchy and uncomfortable for several days, even after the mites are detached and gone.Symptoms of Harvest Mites in DogsIt is important to note that intense itching and irritation are not the only symptoms of harvest mite bites. If a dog is repeatedly scratching or licking at a particular area, this could indicate the presence of harvest mites, so know what signs to look out for.Red bumps and welts will often appear on the dog’s paws, belly, ears, or between their toes.Itching that is caused by harvest mites can be intense, and if your pet is vigorously scratching this is a classic indicator.In some cases, dogs may lose fur around the affected area due to excessive scratching.Constant scratching or biting may lead to crusty patches or open wounds. This is one of the more advanced signs.Of course, you need to make sure that harvest mite infestation is treated as soon as possible. This typically involves relieving the itching and removing any remaining mites. Of course, you need to seek the help of a vet, who will prescribe the proper treatment for your pet's unique case.

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Non-Profit Brings Together Veterans and Rescue Dogs

There are few tales as heartwarming as the magic of the human-animal bond shared by dogs and their people. This love and loyalty that inspires Arizona-based nonprofit, Soldiers Best Friend, to bring together combat veterans and local homeless dogs for their happily ever after. The organization was founded by veterinarian John Burnham following the passing of his father in 2007. At this time, he realized he wanted to do something bigger to honor his father while using his personal and professional talents, and the rest, as they say, is history. Since its establishment in 2011, Soldiers Best Friend has remained unwavering in its commitment to its mission of 'touching 2 lives at once'. The organization pairs veterans with combat-related PTSD or traumatic brain injuries with dogs from local shelters. The veteran and dog train together, giving both a second chance at the quality of life they deserve while also allowing them to create the close bond that will strengthen their relationship moving forward. Not only do dogs find a forever home, helping to address the current pet overpopulation problem, but veterans are also provided with a unique and effective source of support free of charge. While John has stated that he will continue his mission until these service dogs are no longer needed, he also acknowledges that the time will likely never come—at least not in his lifetime. To date, Solder’s Best Friend has connected with and served over 400 veterans, an impressive feat. These dogs not only offer the veterans more independence at home, but they also make the greater world feel more accessible. Tiffany Batura, a retired Navy veteran who served for four years, shared her story. After retiring, Batura was faced with the incredible challenge of recovering from PTSD from her service. “I had not very many women on my boat,” she explained. “The military has changed a lot, but at the time, there was a lot of harassment.” When asked about Soldier’s Best Friend and her service dog, a lab named Deadly, she was happy to share how much the dog has made a difference in her life. “So far, I’ve noticed that I am more willing to go out in public. I’m not homebound all the time,” Batura stated. While that may not seem like a lot, it’s a life-changing difference for Batura and others who are faced with PTSD from their military experiences. In fact, according to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 7% of veterans will have PTSD. However, that rate is nearly double among female veterans, reaching a concerning 13%. If you’re interested in helping Solider’s Best Friend in their noble mission, you can show your support in several ways. Those based in Arizona can volunteer to help with various tasks, including administrative duties, building maintenance, fundraising events, and even fostering a dog. For those who live outside of Arizona or who have a busy schedule that prevents them from committing to volunteer work, the organization is an Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization. Simply make your donations using QCO code 22497. Alternatively, they also have an Amazon Wish List with many items needed to continue their work. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

A 40 Pound Cat, Patches, Down 15 Pounds One Year After Adoption

Patches first grabbed media attention a year ago, when he arrived at Richmond Animal Care and Control weighing an astounding 40.3 pounds. The shelter’s largest feline resident was quickly adopted and has been on a weight loss journey ever since. Once a chubby feline, Patches has lost 15 pounds since his adoption and is enjoying the perks of having more mobility each and every day.Once the Richmond Animal Care and Control posted a photo of Patches on their Facebook page, the news of a fat cat spread like wildfire, reaching Kay Ford, who was thinking about adopting an overweight pet. When her daughter sent her a photo of Patches, Ford immediately contacted the shelter to submit an adoption application. “I let them know that a special diet was nothing new to me. I had a Yorkie that was on chemo for three years and had a good quality of life,” Ford told PEOPLE. The shelter determined Ford would be able to meet the cat's needs and chose her as the adopter. Since his adoption, Patches has been living with Ford, her other cat Wellesley, and her senior Yorkie, Bella. Ford has even started a Facebook page for Patches shortly after his adoption, to keep others updated about his health. Little did she know that the page Patches’ Journey would have over 10,000 followers in a few days. Today, the page has nearly 50,000 followers who are eagerly expecting “Weigh-in Wednesdays.” Weigh-in Wednesdays are the day Ford weighs Patches on a scale and shares the results. On April 17, two days before his first adoption anniversary Patches weighed 25.4 pounds. That’s over 15 pounds less than he weighed when he arrived at Richmond Animal Care and Control. Ford celebrates her cat’s success daily, encouraging him as he accomplishes his weight loss goals. “He’s doing great. He really is. He is just a normal pet,” said Ford. Although Patches still can’t jump on the bed or fully groom himself, he has cleared almost all other obstacles thanks to the increased mobility he has gained after losing weight. “I couldn’t control my emotions the first time he jumped up on the radiator cover. It was a couple of days before Christmas, and I remember saying, ‘It’s a Christmas miracle,’” said Ford. Patches now jumps on the radiator cover regularly and uses the window perch to enjoy the views. Once the weight started to come off, Patches became more energetic and started to play with toys and his feline friend, Wellesley. “It just happened the way it was supposed to happen. He was able to achieve almost every milestone that he needed to achieve to become a real cat, not Macy’s Day Parade balloon,” Ford said. Patches made great progress thanks to his owner’s commitment to his diet. To owners who want to help their pets lose weight, Ford advises “patience, commitment, and diligence.”“This would never have happened if I had given in to whining,” she added. “The hardest thing is not giving into the begging. What I say to people is ‘Get it in your head that instead of asking you for food, they’re asking you for attention and to help them become a healthier cat or dog.”This duo is looking forward to another year of sharing Patches’ weight loss journey with his fans. The Facebook page took off more than Ford hoped for and the online community has been extremely supportive of Patches’ efforts to lose weight.“We have been 100% positive from day one,” said Ford   Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.ear

12-Year-Old Rescue Cat’s Reaction to First Toy Melts Hearts

It’s a heartwarming tale of second chances that will tug at the heartstrings of cat lovers everywhere. From sharing the story of a senior cat finding the love he deserves to revealing his “inner kitten” in an adorable video – The story of “Loaf” will surely bring a smile to your face. As a golden oldie, Loaf appears to have had a rough start to life. The 12-year-old cat was discovered recently by Maria Torres, from Miami, during a mother/daughter beach trip. The two spotted the black cat peaking out from the mangroves, and it was clear that he needed help. A rescue owner herself (Torres runs Love N Light Furever Rescue in South Florida), she knew she couldn’t leave the sweet senior behind to fend for himself. The two took Loaf home to better assess his condition and help him live out the rest of his senior years with the love and care every cat should receive. After addressing his immediate needs, they decided to give the senior cat a little something special to call his own – a catnip-filled rainbow toy, recording his first reaction. But they never could have imagined how it was going to go. “To give him his first toy was pretty extraordinary and kind of scary because I didn’t know how he was going to feel about it,” Torres explained. “The truth is, a cat who lived on the streets for 12 years sometimes doesn’t even recognize toys, so I was actually pretty shocked that he took a liking to it right away.” Torres shared the video on TikTok, and it wasn’t long before the heartwarming comments started to roll in.

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